Pakistan likely playing XI for fifth T20I against New Zealand

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Pakistan's T20I series against New Zealand is heading into its final match, and the national team is looking to end the series on a high note at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

Pakistan's hopes of securing a series win were dashed after their second defeat in the five-match series, leaving them with one last opportunity to level the series.

The playing XI is likely to feature Babar Azam as captain, who will open alongside Saim Ayub. Usman Khan is set to don the gloves while Fakhar Zaman. Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed will play key roles in the middle order.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Imad Wasim will look to rebound from the last match's narrow defeat.

The team is expected to make one change for the final match. Zaman Khan is expected to be dropped from the lineup, with pacer Shaheen Afridi being brought back in to strengthen Pakistan's bowling attack.

Furthermore, Usama Mir, despite being expensive in the previous match, will be given another opportunity to prove his worth before the World Cup squad selection.

In the previous match, Pakistan came close to chasing down the target set by New Zealand, but ultimately fell short by four runs. Imad Wasim's efforts in the final over couldn't guide the team to victory, leaving them with a total of 174/8 in response to New Zealand's 178/7.

With the series still up for grabs, Pakistan will aim to bring their best performance in the final match and end the series on a positive note.

Pakistan likely playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir